Sensational Beer, Wine, Cheese, & Spirits at New Pioneer
May 2015
The Brouhaha
brouhaha (broo·hä·hä) noun 1. Excited public interest, discussion, or the like, as the clamor attending some sensational event. 2. Hullabaloo.
W
e’ve got great new items in the stores, and as always, our staff are passionate and excited to share them with you! We also have lots of new beers in singles, so stop in to try something new, an old favorite, or build your own 6-pack – sometimes a little bit of everything is just right! Cheers, – Melissa Arp, Specialties Coordinator
Exile Brewing Company’s Beatnik Sour Bel Gioioso Fontina Denmark, Wisconsin
A good friend and long-time Co-op affiliate reminded me of an unsung hero: Bel Gioioso (pronounced bell-joy-oso) Fontina. He professed his passion for Fontina’s creamy melt-ability, versatility, and modest price. The founder of Bel Gioioso left his home in Italy to make cheese in Wisconsin, saying: “If you want to make movies, you go to Hollywood. If you want to make cheese, you go to Wisconsin.” Bel Gioioso Fontina is wonderful on a pizza, stuffed into a Balsamic-Glazed Chicken Breast, or cubed into a Pesto-laced Pasta Salad. Melted, it’s sooooooo unctuous and velvety smooth. My friend was off to enjoy a thick slice of this gooey deliciousness on a juicy grilled burger. Mmmmm… I can almost taste it! – Miss Nik, New Pi Iowa City
Des Moines, Iowa
This beer is incredible! Kettle-soured with Lactobacillus, this tart Berliner-Weisse is delicious. They intentionally keep the carbonation lower to allow the flavor to come through, for a beer that drinks more like a true sour but made in a fraction of the time and at a fraction of the cost. I can’t say whether or not Beatnik provides any Lacto-based probiotic benefits, but I can assure you that this is one amazing beer that makes me thankful to be living in Iowa! – Joseph, New Pi Cedar Rapids
Champignon Brie
Germany
Just yummy! This is a triple-cream Brie with handpicked German mushrooms. I serve it on pretzel crackers for a nice crunch to suit the soft, creamy cheese. It’s really wonderful stirred into homemade mushroom soup, or made into a lovely sauce for pasta. Make sure to let it come to room temperature before serving – it makes all the difference! – Gretchen, New Pi Cedar Rapids
Steele Carneros Pinot Noir
Short’s Whiskey
We’ve worked with winemaker Jed Steele for close to 20 years now. His wines are consistently good, sometimes popping a true gem. This vintage of the Carneros Pinot is one of those wines. This bottling’s fruit comes from two of the most revered vineyards in the region: Sangiacomo and Durell. This is classic California Pinot: beautiful strawberry and cherry notes on the nose with a hint of sweet oak (French and Hungarian oak, that is, for 9 months). It’s rich and juicy in the mouth – fruitforward without pandering – with brilliant acidity and a long, lingering finish. This is a lovely example of what California can do with this varietal. Plus... it’s on sale! Look, our love for you knows no bounds. Truly.
This uniquely Iowa whiskey is a collaboration between 3rd generation Iowa farmer Matt Kroul, who owns acres and acres of Burr Oak timber (Iowa’s official state tree), and Cedar Ridge Winery & Distillery in Swisher.
California
– Tom, New Pi Coralville
Pok Pok Som Drinking Vinegars
Oregon
Renowned chef Andy Ricker has garnered acclaim for his authentic execution of Northern Thai cuisine in his Pok Pok (which translates, in Thai slang, as “mortar and pestle”) restaurants in Portland, Oregon, and New York City. Since 2005, his restaurants have served both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks made with their line of vinegar-based shrubs. We will be featuring five of their bestselling flavors: Tamarind, Thai Basil, Ginger, Pomegranate, and Pineapple. I’m betting on a Thai Basil gin and tonic to beat this summer’s heat! – Melissa Arp, Specialties Coordinator
Iowa
Short’s whiskey is distilled from Bourbon mash using local Iowa corn. During the aging process, Burr Oak staves from Matt’s property are charred over an open fire and placed inside the oak barrels, giving this whiskey its rich amber color and distinctive caramel toasty flavor with notes of sweet citrus. – Mercedes, New Pi Iowa City & Coralville
Confluence Fresh Start Pale Lager Des Moines, Iowa
It’s nice that premium beer doesn’t have to travel far to reach our humble store. The Fresh Start Hoppy Pale Lager from Confluence, one of our favorite Des Moines breweries, is simple and delicious. It’s an ideal craft lager for mild days, offering generous hop flavor without the stickiness of a heavy IPA. With great body and a nice, frothy head that lingers until the last drop, this is becoming my go-to brew for the season. – Kathleen, Iowa City & Coralville
www.newpi.coop
• open daily 7am–10pm
22 S. Van Buren St., Iowa City, IA 52240 • (319) 338-9441 1101 2nd St., Coralville, IA 52241 • (319) 358-5513 3338 Center Point Rd. NE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52402 • (319) 365-2632